For many years, banana farming in rural Kenyan villages was predominantly a subsistence activity, with farmers growing a few banana stools next to their compounds to meet their family’s needs.
However, a significant transformation is taking place, thanks to the Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP 11).
This program has successfully shifted farmers’ focus from subsistence to commercial banana cultivation, improving livelihoods and boosting the local economy.
Meet Joram Chavasu, a farmer from the picturesque Walodeya area in Sabatia subcounty, Kakamega County.
He is one of the beneficiaries of ASDSP 11, which ran from July 2017 to June 2022.
Through a joint funding initiative by the Swedish International Development Agency and the European Union, the program aimed to empower farmers by providing comprehensive training on the commercialization of bananas.
The training areas covered various aspects of banana farming, including business planning, land preparation, planting, field management practices, and marketing.
One of the significant innovations introduced to the farmers was the use of tissue culture bananas – a fast-maturing and high-yielding variety that has revolutionized banana farming in the region.
“I was introduced to tissue culture banana plantlets, which fruit in just one year and produce higher yields. The key is planting them in three feet wide and three feet deep pits filled with well-drained soil mixed with well-composed dry manure.” Joram Chavasu recalls his journey into commercial banana farming
Six years ago, Chavasu started his venture with 40 tissue culture plantlets on a modest quarter-acre of land.
Today, he manages a thriving plantation spread across one acre with 120 healthy banana stools.
“The change has been astonishing,” Chavasu proudly shares. “I sell each bunch at an average of Sh700, and in a month, my sales reach around 72 bunches, which translates to approximately Sh50,000 per month.”
The improved yield and higher income have opened new doors of opportunity for him and his family.
The success of Chavasu’s banana farming business has also had a positive ripple effect on the local economy. He not only sells his produce to the villagers but also to nearby Kakamega county and Timboroa trading center in Baringo county, where the demand for his bananas surpasses the supply.
This has not only allowed him to grow his income further but also contribute to the region’s economic growth.
With the surplus income, Chavasu made a significant investment in a pickup truck to transport his produce efficiently to various markets.
This move has streamlined his business operations, reduced transportation costs, and opened up new market opportunities.
Beyond his personal gains, Chavasu is on a mission to inspire the youth of his community.
“I want to encourage the young people to venture into agribusiness,” he says. “Agriculture has the potential to transform their socio-economic status and provide them with a bright future.”
